Google Maps Renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America
In a significant change, Google Maps has officially updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for users in the United States. This change aligns with updates made by the government to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which sets the standard for naming geographical features across the country.
Understanding the Name Change
- Official Update: The name change comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order when he took office in January, renaming the body of water.
- Google’s Policy: Google has a policy of reflecting changes only after official government resources update their records. This ensures that the information presented is reliable and credible.
Where the Change is Visible
The new name, Gulf of America, will only appear to users when they access Google Maps within the United States. Here’s how it works:
- Users in the U.S.: When you’re using Google Maps in the U.S., you’ll see Gulf of America on your map.
- Users in Mexico: If you open Google Maps while located in Mexico, the name displayed will still be Gulf of Mexico.
- Global Users: For users outside of the U.S. and Mexico, the gulf will be annotated as both Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of America, indicating the name change.
Comparison with Other Geographic Name Changes
The executive order that affected the Gulf of Mexico also led to a change concerning Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. Although other sources may refer to it as Mount McKinley, Google Maps continues to show it as Denali, staying true to its naming policy to respect local geographical names where applicable.
Apple Maps Also Adapting
In response to the name change, Apple has also begun updating its own Maps application. Here’s what to expect:
- Current Status: As of now, Apple Maps still shows Gulf of Mexico on the graphics.
- Details Card: When users click on the Gulf region in Apple Maps, they will see a card that states Gulf of America.
- Search Function: If you search for Gulf of Mexico in Apple Maps, it will also display the Gulf of America card.
Global Rollout Planned
According to reliable sources, Apple plans to make this change available not just for U.S. users but for everyone globally. This means that the Gulf of America will soon be visible on Apple’s maps for all international users.
What’s Behind the Changes?
A report from the Congressional Research Service provides insights into how changing geographical names works in the U.S.:
- Private Company Flexibility: The report states that private companies, such as Google and Apple, are not bound by the executive order regarding geographical names.
- Federal Usage: Changes from the U.S. Board on Geographic Names primarily apply to federal usage rather than private apps or services.
Conclusion
The adoption of the name Gulf of America by Google Maps marks an important adjustment in how geographic names are presented to users. With changes reflected in both Google and Apple Maps, users across the United States will start seeing this new nomenclature. The commitment of both tech giants to uphold updated government standards demonstrates their dedication to accurate and reliable geographic information.
As these changes unfold, users in different regions will continue to see varying names, ensuring local contexts are respected. The world of geographic names can be complex, but efforts from companies like Google and Apple are helping to clarify and simplify it for all users.